Bulldogs go down in Tarsha Gale Cup

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The Penrith Panthers have won the inaugural Tarsha Gale Cup Grand Final in a 26-18 thriller at Leichhardt Oval.

The Panthers, coming from fifth on the competition table, came out of the blocks strongly in the Grand Final and led 12-10 at the break thanks in main part to Cheryl Varga. The centre scored the first try of the decider in the 13th minute and kicked two crucial goals to give her side a lead.

The Panthers kicked clear further in the second half with fleet-footed Jamie-Lee Davies and Ashlee Harrison both stepped their ways to the tryline to give their team a 10-point lead.

The Bulldogs, however, weren't going to be outclassed and showed they would fight 'til the death, crossing for a try to Alafou Fatu to keep the margin to six at three-quarter time.